Ties that bind us together

"Good morning, Dr. Akshara", a nurse greeted her. Akshara gave her a polite smile. Being a paediatrician is one of the most rewarding jobs when you save a child in need and one of the most distressing times when you lose a child. She rotated in every department to find her calling. And paediatrics did the job for her. Turning away for the child in need was not an option for her.

"Divya, please send my first patient", she instructed the receptionist.

"Right away, doctor", Divya saluted her.

Akshara was sitting in the cabin waiting for her patient when her door burst open.

"Dr. Akshara!" a kid shouted.

"Hii.. Shivansh. How are you, little man?" Akshara asked him.

"I am not little; I will be seven years old in 10 days", Shivansh happily told her. Akshara smiled at his enthusiasm. She is so happy to see him prosper. He came to her last year as a transfer patient from another hospital. He was so sick at that time that he couldn't even whisper a few words without huffing. But look at him now, bouncing and jumping with his new toys.

"How is he Shefali ji?" Akshara asked his mother.

"As you can see, fit and fine. Here are the test reports that you have asked for." Shefali happily handed over the latest scans they had done. Akshara read the scans and was happy to see his progress.

"I am happy to inform you that Shivansh is finally in remission. His reports came back absolutely fine. Right now, our little one is cancer free", she declared to the happy parents. Both Shefali and Parth beamed with happiness. She hugged her son tightly, tears of joy flowing from her eyes.

"Thank you so much, doctor. Thank you", Parth profusely thanked her. He is deeply in gratitude to her. She is an angel. She saved their son when there was no hope left for him.

"No need to thank me. I haven't done anything. I suggest the treatment, and thankfully, our boy here responds to that properly. Now, even though Shivansh is cancer-free, you should be very careful with his diet and all. All the precautions should be followed. I am changing the medicines. Please come after a week for me to see how these medicines work for him", Akshara told them. She is also happy that this boy is healthy now.

"Dr. Akshara, will you come to my birthday party?" Shivansh asked her.

"You are having a birthday party. That's so cool. What gift would you like?" She asked him.

"Yes, Abhi Chachu told me we will have a big party because I couldn't celebrate my birthday last year", Shivansh replied. He was bouncing with joy thinking about his birthday party.

"That's nice. I am sure you will enjoy it. But there is no need to overtire yourself. Jab thak jaoo toh kahi par baith jana. Ok?" She told him sternly.

"But please come to my party. I want to celebrate with you", he asked her pleadingly.

"Yes, doctor, please come. Our family wants to thank Shivansh, Guardian Angel. We would be so happy if you could attend it", Shefali also asked her.

"Okay. I will try to come. Also, I will bring a special cake for my special patient", Akshara happily told them. Shivansh is so happy after hearing this that he hugs her. Everyone smiled at his enthusiasm. These are the days which make Akshara's life worth living. She wants to heal her patients successfully and help them lead good lives.

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The small warehouse smelled of gasoline and damp concrete. Dim light flickered from a single overhead bulb, casting shadows across the rows of crates. Each one was packed with bricks of cocaine, stacked neatly and ready for transport.